Nautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation, committed to delivering high quality, cost-effective services to members, and welfare support to necessitous seafarers, their dependants and other maritime professionals.

Nautilus works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change, which improves the lives of maritime professionals. We give a voice to maritime professionals from the very beginning of their training, throughout their employment and into retirement.

In this section, you can find out about the Union's legal and welfare services to members. You can also find information about some of the issues members face and suggestions on what you can do about them.

Nautilus spotlight on maritime careers transitions

27 June 2018

We have put together some case studies from seafarers - who share insights on what was helpful to them in transitioning to different roles during their maritime careers.

To help members get the information they need to progress in their maritime careers, Nautilus has put together some case studies from seafarers who share insights on what was helpful to them in transitioning to different roles within the industry.

The Union’s transition work reinforces its support for this year’s Seafarers' Awareness week theme to promote awareness of the wider work opportunities available in the maritime sector, and a recognition of the challenges many cadets are facing in finding jobs.

Using audio and video interview recordings, seafarers at various stages of their careers share their experiences – talking about what was helpful to them in making decisions about their future at work, and making suggestions for the sort of support they would like to see in place.

The transitions work stems from the Nautilus 2015 General Meeting, which agreed a resolution to help members get the information they need to progress in their careers, from when they first go to college, go to sea, attempt to rise through the ranks and – as many do – move to a shoreside job in the shipping industry.

The Union is also supporting research into shipping industry mentoring schemes, to examine ‘best practice’ methods for providing career advice and support for seafarers.